Big Weekend Out

This is a trip report from the Big Weekend Out in Snowdonia, which took place from 14-16 June. Trip report and photos by Sam Harrison.

We were, like last year, jinxed with rather appauling weather when we arrived at our campsite in Capel Curig on the Friday night. After quickly pitching our tents, we retired to The Palace (Mark's rather large tent) to discuss walk options for the following day.

The rain stayed with us through the night and, with this in mind, most of decided that going for a wet scramble was preferable to traipsing over wet bogs. One group headed off to explore the ever-popular north ridge of Tryfan, whilst the rest of us chose the infamous Crib Goch as an airier alternative. A few decided it wasn't walking weather and hid in their beds until it cleared up a bit!

Crib Goch was good fun, and the wind and rain certainly added another dimension to the ridge. The original plan was to carry on over the rest of the horseshoe, but by the time we'd got to the summit of Snowdon we were all so wet and cold that we decided instead to head down the railway track to Llanberis.

Back down in Llanberis, we spent the next few hours in Pete's Eats drying out and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Team Tryfan also met us there and by accounts they also had a fun day scrambling in the wet.

That evening, a few of us drove to a free talk given by climbers James McHaffie, Hazel Findlay and Jack Gerald. The talk was about recent routes and expeditions they'd completely, from free climbing El Capitan, to onsighting E8s. Some of the pictures they showed us were seriously impressive and the talk was very interesting. It was at a little café/bar just outside of Llanberis called Caban, and the place was packed!

Unfortunately for me, I aggravated an ankle injury which meant my Sunday was spent shopping in Betws-y-Coed whilst everyone else was up in the hills. One group headed off for Snowdon, some went to explore Idwal Slabs and the others went for a walk up Devil's Kitchen and up Y Garn, before heading back down to Ogwen Cottage. By all accounts they had a great day! The weather had really cleared up and the sun was even making the odd appearance.

Despite the weather, we made the most of the weekend and still had a great time. Fingers crossed it'll be better for the next Snowdonia trip next term!